More than 1,700 students from schools across the United Arab Emirates attended the Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi over two days, as families continued to visit the event to learn more about higher education opportunities.
The education fair, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort on Abu Dhabi Corniche, remained busy throughout the weekend. Students, parents, and teachers explored university booths and spoke with admission teams about courses, scholarships, and future career pathways.
Many students arrived with clear plans for their future studies, while others used the event to better understand the options available before making final decisions.
Students moved between university stands asking questions about degree programs, entry rules, tuition fees, student life, and study abroad opportunities.
Schools from different parts of the UAE took part in the event. Students from Ajman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi travelled to the venue to gather information about their academic futures.
Among the visitors was Shubh Jolly, a Grade 12 student from The Royal Academy Ajman. He attended the event to learn more about pilot training programs and aviation-related studies.
His friend, Mohammed Tariq, focused on business studies and management programs. Another student, Kavy Bapodra, explored software engineering and computer-related courses during the event.
Many students said the fair helped them understand what universities expect from applicants and how they can prepare for future careers.
Srijith Vijayababu, a Grade 10 student from Dunes International School Abu Dhabi, said he attended the fair to gain a clearer idea about engineering studies.
He explained that he hopes to pursue aerospace or aeronautical engineering in the future. Mechanical engineering remains another option he is considering.
Srijith said speaking directly with university representatives gave him useful information about admission requirements and future career possibilities.
Another student from the same school, Jonathan Abraham, said the event helped him better understand his interests and future academic direction.
Jonathan explained that he was still unsure about his final career choice before attending the fair. After meeting university representatives, he gained more clarity about the programs that match his interests and abilities.
He also said the event gave him insight into what universities expect from students during the admission process.
Students from Dubai also travelled to Abu Dhabi to attend the event.
Sheza Fathima, a Grade 11 student from Pearl Wisdom School Dubai, said the fair helped her narrow down her interest between forensic science and business studies.
She said visiting different university booths allowed her to compare courses and understand future career opportunities linked to both subjects.
During the event, Sheza also learned about international foundation programs that allow some students to enter college without completing Grade 12.
She said the pathway sounded interesting because it could save students one academic year. However, she added that students need to be very certain about their future career plans before choosing such options.
Another student from Pearl Wisdom School Dubai, Malavika Harikumar, focused on engineering and computer science opportunities.
Malavika said she plans to study abroad in the future but is also considering universities within the UAE while reviewing her options.
Education experts at the event said fairs like Edufair help students make informed decisions about higher education by giving them direct access to universities and admission officers.
Parents who attended the event also interacted with university teams to discuss scholarship opportunities, campus safety, accommodation, and tuition costs.
Several international and regional universities participated in the event to showcase academic programs in business, medicine, engineering, aviation, information technology, media, and science.
Students from Saad Indian School, Darul Huda Islamic School, Dunes International School, Global Schools Group, International Indian School Abu Dhabi, Modern Private School, Al Marfa International Private School, Bright Riders School, North Point Education, Pearl Wisdom School Dubai, and Shining Star International School were among those who attended.
Organizers said the strong turnout showed growing interest in higher education planning among UAE students and families.
The UAE continues to position itself as a major education hub in the Middle East, with local and international universities offering a wide range of programs for students seeking global career opportunities.
For many students, the event provided valuable guidance as they prepare for university life and future careers in competitive industries.
